Is Neopets making a comeback? Firm behind nostalgic game says it will launch a mobile app this fall

It’s likely been at least a decade since Neopets last crossed your mind.

The website boomed in popularity in the early 2000s, allowing users to adopt and care for virtual pets, and play games to earn the much sought-after currency, Neopoints.

Though its following has dwindled in the years since its prime, Neopets has maintained a loyal fandom – and now, it appears the game could be gearing up for a comeback.

At San Diego Comic Con last week, Neopets execs revealed they will be releasing a mobile game this fall.

According to CEO David Lord, the app will be a combination of ‘Neopets lore, a puzzle game mechanic, and battles,’ the Verge reports. It’s set to launch this October for both iOS and Android

The firm announced the upcoming game, called Legends and Letters, at a Comic Con after-party, according to The Verge.

It’s set to launch this October for both iOS and Android.

Unfortunately, it will operate separately from your previously established Neopets account (for those who still have one), meaning you won’t be able to use your long-standing pets.

But, you’ll be able to customize new pets within the mobile game.

According to CEO David Lord, the app will be a combination of ‘Neopets lore, a puzzle game mechanic, and battles,’ the Verge reports.

Sneak peaks show it will feature a Scrabble-style word puzzle with a story that builds throughout the levels.

Neopets will also launch a mobile site and app with mini-games from the current browser site, according to The Verge.

Though its following has dwindled in the years since its prime, Neopets has maintained a loyal fandom – and now, it appears the game could be gearing up for a comeback

The move is a major step for the firm and is likely to get the nostalgia flowing in fans, many of whom spent hours glued to the computer screen playing when the game peaked years ago.

After decades in existence, it would be one of the first times Neopets has dipped its toes into mobile gaming, the Verge notes.

In addition to iOS and Android, the CEO also said it will be coming to Microsoft and Amazon platforms.

IS VIDEO GAME ADDICTION REAL?

Research published in October 2017 found that video game addiction probably isn’t real.

Very few gamers meet the criteria for addiction, known as ‘internet gaming disorder’ (IGD), and instead use games to fill gaps in other areas of their life.

IGD is loosely defined as someone who suffers from five or more of nine criteria, including: Jeopardising jobs or education because of playing video games; lying about time spent gaming; and using gaming to relieve anxiety.

The research, from experts at Cardiff University, followed thousands of online gamers over a period of six months.

The team gave over 2,000 adult US gamers questionnaires about their physical activity, health and lifestyle.

None of the participants met the criteria for IGD at both the start and end of the six-month study and so weren’t diagnosed with addiction.

‘The study’s results suggest that it’s not clear how many resources should go to gaming addiction, compared to other addictions like drugs,’ lead author Dr Netta Weinstein told New Scientist.

The research also found that those who showed some symptoms of gaming addiction were more likely to be unhappy in other areas of their life, such as their relationship or career.